Iranian People Caught Between Dueling Messages

by Farideh Farhi via IPS News  Since Barack Obama became president of the United States, messages marking the Iranian New Year – Norouz – celebrated at the onset of spring have become yearly affairs. So have responses given by Iran’s… Continue Reading

Iran’s Nuclear Activities Go On Despite Sanctions

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News  While the U.S.-led sanctions regime on Iran has produced substantial economic hardship, analysts here are increasingly pointing out that Tehran’s controversial nuclear activities have continued unabated. According to a study released Tuesday by the… Continue Reading

Farideh Farhi: Too Soon for a Breakthrough but Progress Possible for Iran Nuclear Talks

by Jasmin Ramsey Ahead of the technical-level nuclear talks that will take place in Istanbul on March 18 and the top-level talks that will be held in early April, Farideh Farhi, an Independent Scholar at the University of Hawaii and… Continue Reading

The Making and Unmaking of Iran Sanctions

A new report released by the International Crisis Group this week examines the efficacy and unintended consequences of sanctions on Iran and suggests steps that can be taken during the diplomatic process to unwind them and mitigate their humanitarian consequences while… Continue Reading

Kazakhstan: Astana Registers Diplomatic Boost with Iran Nuclear Talks

by Joanna Lillis When Iranian officials sit down at the negotiating table in Almaty with representatives from six international powers, Kazakhstan will gain kudos that will burnish its international diplomatic image and raise the prestige of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The event may… Continue Reading